West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has welcomed a temporary ban on disposable barbecues as hot and dry conditions continue to increase the threat of wildfires, warning that they are “not worth the risk”.
Brabin backed the measure after recently visiting Marsden Moor, where she saw first-hand the damage caused by wildfires.
Writing on X, the Labour mayor said:
“Having visited Marsden Moor only recently and seen the devastation caused by the wild fires first hand, I welcome the temporary ban on disposable bbqs.
“Disposable bbqs are not worth the risk, and whilst they dont start every fire, banning them will keep people, their homes and our wildlife safe.”
Her intervention comes amid heightened concern about fires across the country following prolonged hot and dry weather, which has left grassland, moorland and other areas particularly vulnerable.
Marsden Moor has previously suffered serious damage from wildfires, making the protection of the landscape and surrounding communities a particular concern in West Yorkshire.
Brabin stressed that people should still be able to enjoy the countryside but said additional precautions were necessary during the current conditions.
She added:
“Everyone deserves to enjoy our beautiful countryside but in these hot, dry conditions, we must do all we can to keep people safe.”
The temporary restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of accidental fires caused by disposable barbecues and other naked flames at a time when even a small fire can spread rapidly through exceptionally dry vegetation.
Brabin’s comments come as firefighters around the country deal with a series of wildfires and political leaders call for greater preparedness for extreme weather.
Fire services have repeatedly urged the public to take extra care during periods of high wildfire risk, including avoiding barbecues and open fires in parks, woodland and on moorland and disposing of cigarettes safely.
The Mayor said the experience at Marsden Moor demonstrated the potential consequences for communities, homes and wildlife when fires take hold.
Her backing for the temporary ban adds to calls for preventative action during the current conditions, with the priority on reducing avoidable fire risks while protecting people and some of the country’s most vulnerable landscapes.
